FAQs

What support do mentors receive?

You’ll have an initial chat with Rachel, the Project Co-ordinator, who will explain how the project works. Then you’ll receive training in areas such as mentoring skills and the care system, which will equip you with the confidence and knowledge you need before you are matched with your mentee.

Rachel will be on hand to support and guide you through the mentoring relationship – and there will be opportunities to get together with other mentors and mentees to share experiences and receive further training.

How do I get matched?

Rachel will ask you about your interests, where you live and what you expect from the project. When she’s found a good match, she’ll discuss it with you before arranging your first meeting.

What do you mean by 'City Workers'?

As City Opportunities Mentoring works to get care leavers into positions in the City of London, it’s important that their mentors are ‘typical City workers’. By this we mean that the mentors have to work within the boundaries of the City of London (defined as this), and hold positions that are typical for the City (such as finance, banking and law).

Do I need a criminal record check?

Yes. You will be spending time with vulnerable young people and therefore you will need to have a Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) check. This is free of charge and will be completed with the Project Co-ordinator. All mentees undergo a risk assessment before starting the mentoring programme to ensure our volunteers’ safety and well-being. You will also need to attend an informal interview and provide details of two referees.

I would like to become a mentor!

That’s great news. Please click on the link at the top of this page to complete the online application form and we’ll be in touch soon.

Or you can contact the City Opportunities Mentoring Project Co-ordinator Rachel Carder directly on 020 3111 0730 or email her at rachel@timebank.org.uk.